Money raised in memory of local football legend

Paddy Murphy, a Blofield United FC player and manager, was diagnosed with MND in June 2021

Friends and family of a local football legend who had motor neurone disease (MND) have been raising money for research into the condition.

Paddy Murphy, who died in October 2023 aged 73, was known as "Mr Blofield" for his 60-year association with Norfolk's Blofield United FC.

Mr Murphy was a player, coach and manager at the Norfolk club and everyone involved - under current president Paul Roofe - has helped arrange collections, a raffle and a new cup competition to raise funds.

The money raised in collaboration with Mr Murphy's family will go to the MND Association, a charity which supports and campaigns for people living with or affected by the condition.

Paddy Murphy (bottom right) with his family, who have been fundraising for the MND association

Awareness of MND - a rapidly-progressing neurological disease that affects the brain and spinal cord - has been raised by rugby star Rob Burrow, who inspired millions before his death from the condition.

But it has no cure and few treatments, something Mr Murphy's daughter, Jane Naylor, said has a huge impact on families like hers.

"From day one of diagnosis, I think the pain and the grieving starts then.

"It is a very, very rare disease, thank God - but it is a very, very progressive one," she said.

The MND Association supported Mr Murphy and his family as he became more unwell, making practical adaptations to their home.

Mr Murphy's daughter, Jane Naylor, said Blofield United remains an important part of family life

Mr Murphy had been involved with Blofield United FC since he was 14, playing for them before then managing the first team for 22 years.

Most of the money raised so far was donated on a special memorial day to coincide with the club's first game of the season.

It included a raffle, collections and the inaugural Paddy Murphy Memorial Trophy, won by Brandon Town.

Club president Paul Roofe said Mr Murphy had been a "great mate".

He said they had continued to travel to away games together even as Mr Murphy's health declined and he began to use a wheel chair.

"His humour remained the same because his first words when we got into the visitor's club house were - 'your round!'"

Before Mr Murphy died at the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital , Mr Roofe was asked to visit him by his family.

"That's terrible to see though, a person who was probably one of the fittest players on the playing field change to what that was," he said.

Blofield FC president Paul Roofe, Paddy's wife Jenny Murphy and Acle Rangers chairman Colin Tovell

'I've never met anyone better'

Such was Mr Murphy's reputation within the Anglian Combination League, former rivals joined the fundraising efforts.

More than £2,000 was contributed by Acle Rangers.

Acle chairman, Colin Tovell, said it was an "honour" to be involved.

"He was a man after my own heart.

"'Mr Blofield' we called him, a superb husband to Jenny.

"A proper, proper man. I've never met anyone better, to be honest with you and I miss him dearly."

The money raised has been welcomed by the local branch of the MND Association.

Branch chair Malcolm Chubbock said he felt lucky to get the chance to get to know Mr Murphy and his family.

“The family have been so generous with their time and efforts to fundraise for the branch.

"We can’t thank them enough. The money will go towards helping other people with MND and their families in the Norfolk area."